Members of NEXZ pose at KINTEX Exhibition Center 2 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Aug. 9. Yonhap
NEXZ is back! The highly anticipated seven-member group makes their exciting return this Monday with their new mini album, “SAUCIN’”. This six-track release is a delicious exploration of NEXZ’s unique identity, a testament to their distinct flavor, and a vibrant declaration of their ongoing evolution in the K-Pop landscape.
A Taste of NEXZ: From Refreshing to Addictive
According to member YU, “SAUCIN’” is crafted to invite listeners on a sensory journey, beginning with a curious first taste and culminating in a deep immersion into NEXZ’s diverse musical world. The album spans various genres, promising a rich listening experience. HARU perfectly captures the album’s essence, describing its taste as akin to a lemon – a delightful balance of refreshing tracks like the title track “SAUCIN’” and the equally invigorating “APPETITE,” alongside songs that possess a sharper, more irresistibly addictive quality. HYUI offers his own culinary take, suggesting sour cream as the perfect complement to the title track, highlighting its cool, summery energy and vibrant festival atmosphere.
Members’ Creative Flavors: Crafting Their Own Music
“SAUCIN’” isn’t just about NEXZ’s evolving sound; it’s also a showcase for the members’ growing creative talents. TOMOYA, HARU, and HYUI lent their creative touch to “APPETITE,” a track that powerfully conveys NEXZ’s insatiable hunger for music. TOMOYA shared that for him, the song encapsulates the group’s fervent desire to create music that fans will want to revisit constantly, while also reflecting their ambitious drive towards bigger goals. HARU infused his personal passion for fast-tempo hip-hop house music into “APPETITE,” describing a collaborative writing process where ideas were built upon one another, highlighting the group’s synergy. Despite their individual musical preferences, HYUI affirmed that the members share a unified vision for NEXZ’s future. Beyond “APPETITE,” TOMOYA also contributed to the writing and composition of “20 NOW.” This deeply personal track chronicles the members’ journey into their 20s, a period of continuous learning, growth, and self-discovery as they navigate their paths. TOMOYA’s intention for the lyrics was to capture these raw emotions, creating a time capsule for the members to reflect on their youthful perspectives in the future.
Performance, Passion, and Unmatched Chemistry
NEXZ’s comeback isn’t just about the music; it’s also a powerful display of their stage presence. YUKI emphasizes the captivating opening choreography of “SAUCIN’,” where all seven members’ movements collectively represent the essence of sauce – a detail fans won’t want to miss. SO GEON echoes YUKI’s sentiment, firmly believing that performance is NEXZ’s ultimate appeal. HYUI, on the other hand, points to the group’s undeniable passion and boundless energy as their standout traits. YUKI and SEITA further highlight the incredible, palpable chemistry that binds the members together, a key ingredient in their magnetic stage presence.
From Sweet Debut to Umami Evolution: NEXZ’s Journey
Reflecting on their journey since debut, YU eloquently described NEXZ’s evolution from a “sweet flavor” at their inception to a more complex and rich “umami flavor” by 2026. YUKI and SEITA similarly describe the group’s current intensity as “salt,” signifying a strong and essential presence. Looking ahead, TOMOYA articulates the group’s core aspiration for this comeback: to be recognized as a group that not only delivers exceptional performances but also possesses a unique musical identity that is distinctly and exclusively NEXZ.
To fully immerse yourself in NEXZ’s latest masterpiece, HARU recommends a specific listening order: start with “APPETITE,” then move to “SAUCIN’,” followed by “UPGRADE,” “LOCO,” “ALIENS,” and finally “20 NOW.” Prepare to savor every moment!
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
